[Costa]

This is one of those quasi-firearm topics. There's debate as to whether or not silencers/suppressors are firearms, however being as they are regulated as firearms and this has to do with the legalese of them, I thought this appropriate to post here.

For those not aware of the general background: There are commercially available products that are marketed as storage devices or cleaning aids AKA solvent traps, that can attach to the muzzle of a firearm. These devices would function as a suppressor, however there are no holes in them for the bullet to pass through. If one were to make one of these devices into a suppressor, they would have to follow the appropriate laws and basically receive permission from the BATFE to drill out the device and convert to a suppressor. Historically this was done via Form 1. There are other fine print steps to follow, but that is the gest of the background. A quick web search of Form 1 suppressors will yield a lot more information.

Anecdotally, there is some good research being done among Form 1'ers to advance design commercially and some companies are starting to move from solvent trap manufacturer to SOT/suppressor manufacture with fairly decent results being objectively tested through the Pew Science organization. The average price point of suppressors has also started to come down as a result of the competitive landscape.

The BATFE recently (like 3 days ago recently) began mass denying virtually all Form 1 applications with the explanation that basically 1) because their definition of a silencer includes all the parts needed to make a silencer, and 2) the end user intended to use them as components in the construction of such, that these parts were illegally transferred to the end user and they should fill out a form 4 for these. There was little guidance given, but speculation is that the ATF is trying to kill the Form 1 DIY industry through fear and creating additional cost/red-tape barriers. Those who were not flat out denied seem to be in the middle of an ATF fishing expedition with requests for further information.

A lot see this as the beginning of further regulation to go after "Ghost Guns" and 80% lowers eventually, but starting with NFA items such as suppressors and SBRs (some suggest that pistol braces will be next).

There are tons of logic holes within the ATF's argument and it will no doubt end up in court eventually, however this seems to be more of the same of governance by unelected agency officials through executive orders until they are challenged.

This is the call to action to inform your local elected officials to exert pressure on the ATF if you feel so compelled.